Annual Leave

Start Here If You Are New to Annual Leave

Annual leave is the foundational time-off entitlement for every Marine on Active Duty. You earn 2.5 days per month for a total of 30 days per fiscal year. Your fiscal year carryover cap is 60 days of annual leave (90 days if you have approved SLA). Leave begins and terminates in your local area. The day of departure is not chargeable as leave if you depart after half a duty day. The day of return IS chargeable as leave unless you return before normal work hours. Commanders are required to run an aggressive leave program. Marines who do not take leave annually should be counseled.

This page walks you through annual leave from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The 2.5 days per month accrual rate (30 days per year)
• The 60-day annual leave carryover cap (90 days total with SLA)
• Day of departure vs. day of return charging rules
• The 60-day career leave sell-back cap
• Advance leave and excess leave frameworks
• Granting authority and the commander's leave program responsibility
• Leave check-out and check-in procedures

Every fact on this page comes from MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 (19 May 2009), MARADMIN 188/25MARADMIN 188/25 (10 April 2025), MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 (20 December 2024), DoDI 1327.06DoDI 1327.06, Title 10 U.S.C. section 701Title 10 U.S.C. section 701, and Title 37 U.S.C. section 501Title 37 U.S.C. section 501.

What Annual Leave Is

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 1, annual leave is regular leave granted under a command's leave program, charged against the Marine's accrued leave balance.

The Marine Corps designs the leave program as a vital military requirement. The program supports morale, motivation, and operational effectiveness through periodic respite from duty. Commanders run aggressive leave programs to ensure Marines use earned leave.

Accrual Rate

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 2.a, leave accrues at 2.5 days for each month of active military service.

• 12 months of accrual = 30 days of annual leave per year.
• Leave accrues regardless of paid leave taken in the month.
• RC Marines accrue leave on Active Duty orders (AD, ADT, mobilization).

Annual Leave Cap and SLA

Per MARADMIN 188/25MARADMIN 188/25 paragraph 2 (effective immediately), Marines are authorized to carry over a maximum of 90 days of accrued leave from one fiscal year to the next. This includes.

• Up to 60 days of annual leave.
• Up to 30 days of Special Leave Accrual (SLA) per the MARADMIN 188/25MARADMIN 188/25 framework. Per MARADMIN 341/26MARADMIN 341/26, three of the four SLA qualifying categories are suspended pending SECNAV designations, only the 120-day hostile fire and imminent danger path is approvable. The 90-day cap itself is unchanged. See the Special Leave Accrual page for the suspension detail.

The Special Leave Accrual page covers the SLA framework in detail.

Annual Leave Cap Without SLA

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 2.a, leave accumulated in excess of 60 days is LOST at the end of the fiscal year unless the Marine has approved SLA per Chapter 2 paragraph 9 (now MARADMIN 188/25MARADMIN 188/25).

The Marine Corps fiscal year runs from 1 October through 30 September. The leave balance check happens on 30 September. A Marine with 65 days of accrued leave and no SLA loses 5 days on 1 October.

Day of Departure vs. Day of Return

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 5.b, the chargeability rule depends on the time of day.

Day of Departure (Not Chargeable If After Half-Day)

The day of departure from the duty station, normally at the end of the Marine's normal working hours on a day of duty, is a day of duty and NOT chargeable as leave.

If the Marine departs PRIOR to half a duty day, the day of departure IS chargeable as leave.

Day of Return (Chargeable as Leave)

The day of return from authorized leave is counted as a day of leave.

Exception. When the return is prior to the Marine's normal work hours on a scheduled day of duty, OR prior to 0800 on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the day of return is counted as a day of duty (not chargeable).

Local Area Definition

Per paragraph 5.b.(1), leave begins and terminates in the local area. The local area is the place where the Marine resides and from which the Marine commutes to the duty station (as established by the local commander).

Leave is charged for all calendar days within the leave period, both duty days AND non-duty days.

Granting Leave

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 4, Marines are granted leave at any time they request when their presence is not required to accomplish the command's mission.

Commander's Aggressive Leave Program

Per Chapter 2 paragraph 1.a, commanders ensure their leave program supports.

• At least one leave period each year of approximately 14 consecutive days or longer.
• Frequent periods of leave throughout the year.
• Maximum use of earned leave to minimize loss.
• Counseling for Marines who refuse to take leave.

Important Leave Periods

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 3, particular emphasis is placed on granting leave during these periods.

• Upon Permanent Change of Station (PCS).
• After particularly arduous duty or protracted deployment.
• Upon reenlistment or augmentation from RC to AC.
• Traditional national holiday periods.
• When Marines or their families are personally affected by natural disasters (floods, hurricanes, etc.). Emergency leave is also appropriate.
• For attendance at spiritual retreats or other religious observance for which liberty is inadequate.
• During pre-separation processing. Leave balances should be carefully reviewed. Marines with leave above 60 days or who previously sold back leave should be granted leave.

Combining Leave and Liberty (MARADMIN 625/24)

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 3 (effective immediately), Marines are authorized to take local leave in conjunction with liberty and are charged leave ONLY for those days that are duty days.

Single or Multiple Combinations

Per paragraph 3.a, single or multiple leave periods are granted in conjunction with single or multiple liberty periods. Examples.

• Liberty-leave-liberty.
• Leave-liberty-leave.
• Liberty-leave-liberty-leave.

The combinations work as long as they execute within local liberty geographical limitations and boundaries.

Example (Per MARADMIN 625/24 Paragraph 3.b)

• 21-22 December 2024. Weekend liberty.
• 23 December. Leave in the local area.
• 24-26 December. 72-hour holiday liberty.
• 27 December. Leave in the local area.
• 28-29 December. Weekend liberty.
• 30 December. Return to duty.

The Marine is charged 2 days of annual leave for the period of 21-30 December 2024 (only 23 December and 27 December, which were duty days).

Geographical Limitation

Per paragraph 3.c, all leave must begin, be executed, and end in the vicinity of the Marine's PDS or worksite, as defined by the 24-hour liberty boundaries established by the local commander's leave and liberty policy.

Annual Leave Maximum Period

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 5.a, a Marine is not authorized more than 60 days annual leave during any fiscal year except as set forth in Chapter 2 paragraph 9 (SLA framework).

Nor is a Marine authorized annual leave for a continuous period of more than 60 days without prior approval of CMC (MMEA/MMOA, or RA, as applicable).

Advance Leave

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 6, advance leave is leave granted before it has been earned. Common scenarios include.

• A new Marine accessing into the Marine Corps with no accrued leave.
• A Marine needing emergency leave with insufficient accrued balance.
• A Marine on PCS leave who has not yet accumulated the leave being taken.

Advance leave converts to chargeable leave as the Marine continues to accrue leave at 2.5 days per month. If the Marine separates before the advance leave is earned back, the unearned portion may be subject to recoupment.

Excess Leave

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 7, excess leave is leave granted when the Marine has no accrued leave balance and is not earning leave fast enough to cover the requested period.

Excess leave is granted in extraordinary circumstances such as.

• Emergency leave when no accrued balance exists.
• Educational leave for specific authorized programs.
• Other circumstances as authorized.

Excess leave is generally without pay and allowances for the days exceeding the accrued and advance leave authorizations.

Leave Sell-Back at Separation

Per Title 37 U.S.C. section 501Title 37 U.S.C. section 501 and DoD 7000.14-R Volume 7ADoD 7000.14-R Volume 7A Chapter 35.

60-Day Career Cap

A Marine separating from Active Duty under honorable conditions elects to receive payment for unused accrued leave. The career cap is 60 days total over the Marine's military career.

Carry Forward

The remaining accrued leave (above 60 sold) carries forward to a new enlistment provided there is no break in service greater than 24 hours.

Exemptions

RC Marines or Retired Marines activated in support of a contingency operation, OR RC Marines on Active Duty Operational Support (ADOS) orders not exceeding 365 days, are exempt from the 60-day leave payment limitation per Title 37 U.S.C. section 501Title 37 U.S.C. section 501.

Forfeiture for Misconduct or Unsatisfactory Performance

Marines involuntarily discharged prior to completing 6 months of active duty forfeit all accrued leave if the basis for discharge is unsatisfactory performance or misconduct.

Leave Pay Calculation

Leave at separation is paid at the basic pay daily rate (monthly basic pay divided by 30). The Separation Payments page on this site covers the calculation framework.

Leave Authorization and Documentation

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 4.

Leave Request

The Marine submits a leave request through Marine OnLine (MOL) or per the local command leave program. The request specifies.

• Start date and end date of leave.
• Number of days of leave requested.
• Leave address (the location during the leave period).
• Emergency contact information.

Leave Authorization

The leave authorization is granted by the commanding officer or designated leave granting authority. The authorization is documented in MOL and the Marine's electronic record.

Leave Check-Out

Per Chapter 4 paragraph 8, the Marine completes leave check-out procedures before departure. This typically includes.

• Notifying the chain of command.
• Confirming emergency contact information.
• Receiving the leave authorization documentation.

Leave Check-In

The Marine completes leave check-in procedures upon return. This includes.

• Reporting to the unit on the day of return.
• Submitting any required documentation.
• Confirming any extensions or adjustments.

Leave Recall

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 19, a Marine on leave is allowed to be recalled to duty. Recall is at the discretion of the commanding officer based on operational necessity. The recalled Marine is reimbursed for any non-refundable leave-related expenses (e.g., trip cancellation costs) per the JTR framework.

Absence Over Leave

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 20, absence over leave is the failure to return on the day of return specified in the leave authorization. Absence over leave is unauthorized absence and may result in.

• UCMJ action.
• Loss of pay for the unauthorized period.
• Adverse impact on promotion, career advancement, and security clearance.

Verifying Annual Leave on the LES

A monthly LES check confirms leave balance entries are correct.

Step 1. Pull Your LES

Through MyPay each payday.

Step 2. Verify the Leave Balance Section

The LES shows leave under the Leave Information section. Common entries.

• BF BAL. Beginning forward balance from the previous fiscal year (Brought Forward).
• ERND. Leave earned during the current pay period.
• USED. Leave used during the current pay period.
• BAL. Current balance.
• LV LOST. Leave lost (forfeited) at end of FY for amounts exceeding 60 days without SLA.
• LV PAID. Leave sold at separation.
• USE/LOSE. Leave subject to forfeiture at end of FY.

Step 3. Verify the Earned Rate

The LES should show 2.5 days earned per month. If you have any unauthorized absence days, the earned rate may be lower.

Step 4. Resolve Discrepancies

Coordinate with your S-1. The reporting unit (I&I S-1 with direct UD/MIPS access, or a battalion S-1 routing through their PAC) routes through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.

Common Questions Marines Ask

How many days of annual leave do I earn per year?

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 2.a, 30 days per year (2.5 days per month).

What is the maximum leave I can carry from one fiscal year to the next?

Per MARADMIN 188/25MARADMIN 188/25 paragraph 2, the maximum is 90 days total. 60 days of annual leave plus up to 30 days of approved SLA. Without SLA, the cap is 60 days of annual leave. The Special Leave Accrual page covers SLA in detail.

I want to take leave the day after a 96-hour holiday liberty. Will I be charged for the day before liberty starts?

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 5.b, depending on when you depart on the day before liberty. If you depart after half a duty day, the day is not chargeable. If you depart before half a duty day, the day is chargeable.

Can I combine leave with liberty?

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 3, yes. Local leave combined with liberty (in any sequence: liberty-leave-liberty, leave-liberty-leave, etc.) is allowed within the 24-hour liberty boundaries. You are charged leave only for the duty days that are leave days.

What happens to leave above 60 days at end of fiscal year?

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 2.a, leave accumulated in excess of 60 days is LOST at the end of the fiscal year unless you have approved SLA. The 30 September FY-end check determines forfeiture. The Special Leave Accrual page covers the SLA exception.

How much leave can I sell back at separation?

Per Title 37 U.S.C. section 501Title 37 U.S.C. section 501, up to 60 days TOTAL over your military career. If you sold back 30 days at a previous separation, you can sell back 30 more (total of 60). Officers cannot use the one-time SLA sell-back option (only enlisted Marines).

I am on PCS leave. Can I take more than 30 days?

Yes. PCS leave is one of the most common reasons Marines take large blocks. Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 5.a, leave for a continuous period of more than 60 days requires prior approval of CMC (MMEA/MMOA or RA). Most PCS leave falls below this threshold.

I have 75 days of leave on 30 September. What happens?

If you have NO approved SLA, 15 days are forfeited (you keep 60). If you have approved SLA up to 30 days, you keep up to 90 days total. The Special Leave Accrual page covers the SLA framework.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• Annual leave request submission. Through MOL or the local command leave program.
• Leave balance verification. The LES Leave Information section.
• Leave forfeiture concerns at end of FY. Coordinate with your S-1 to ensure SLA is approved if eligible. The Special Leave Accrual page covers the framework.
• Leave sell-back at separation. The S-1 processes the calculation through DFAS Marine Corps Pay during separation.
• Advance or excess leave authorization. Coordinate with your commanding officer through the chain of command.
• DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Leave and Liberty landing page lists all the leave and liberty topics.
• Special Leave Accrual covers the 30-day SLA carryover above 60 annual.
• Liberty and Special Liberty covers the parallel liberty framework.
• Terminal Leave covers the end-of-service leave framework.
• Emergency Leave covers leave for family emergencies.
• Convalescent Leave covers medical recovery leave (not chargeable).
• Permissive TAD covers the parallel administrative absence framework.

Related Roles

• Leaders run an aggressive leave program. Counsel Marines who refuse to take leave.
• Admin at S-1 processes leave requests through MOL and verifies balances.
• Commanders ensure secondary or non-essential functions do not prevent execution of an aggressive leave program.

Annual leave is the foundational time-off entitlement. 2.5 days per month, 30 days per year, 60-day carryover (90 with SLA). Day of departure not chargeable if leaving after half a duty day. Day of return chargeable. Sell-back capped at 60 days career. Local leave combines with liberty per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24. Plan leave throughout the year to avoid FY-end forfeiture.